These overlooking places to visit in Cebu are worth adding to your itinerary when you travel to Cebu!
There is an exhilarating feeling once you are at the top of some place. Humans feel powerful when we are in a highly elevated location, and that is normal. We crave for a sense of freedom, and overlooking places can give us that.
Cebu is mostly visited by foreign and local travelers not just because of the lively atmosphere, but also to satisfy their hankering for heights and scenery. There are numerous must-visit places on the island. Here are some of the overlooking places to visit in Cebu:
Temple of Leah
With its Greek-inspired architecture, entering the temple feels like you are not in Cebu. Built in 2012, Temple of Leah is a symbol of Teodorico Soriano Adarna’s undying love for his wife, Leah Albino-Adarna. This is why the place is often dubbed as Cebu’s Taj Mahal.
However, Temple of Leah is not a mausoleum, but it houses the personal possessions of Leah. They are exhibited in the temple’s museum, library, and art gallery.
The building that records the history of the Adarna clan is also a Cebu City landmark.
La Vie in the Sky
You probably have heard of the famous French restaurant in Gorordo Avenue, La Vie Parisienne, and it’s probably in your Cebu itinerary already. Well, the management has decided to open another branch. This time, it’s overlooking the city.
La Vie in the Sky, aside from being located at the highlands, has heightened the aesthetics and the French ambience. Although the establishment doesn’t have La Vie’s iconic LED cherry blossom trees, it still offers the food that Cebuanos have known and loved, such as the thin-crust pizza and the signature La Vie Artisan Gelato.
The renowned dessert has been roaring in Cebu since 2017. La Vie paired up with Chef Manuel Minelli, an Italian chef and gelato virtuoso whose family has been making gelato for the past 200 years, to set up the famous gelato parlor in Cebu.
Among the 40 flavors available in the artisan gelato’s roster are pistachio, cheesecake, strawberry, mango, and various kinds of chocolate. There are also peculiar flavors like salmon, chili crab, and balut. Since La Vie uses fresh and natural ingredients, you can be assured that the taste is the same with the flavor you have chosen.
Tops Lookout
If you are looking for a laid-back night spot with a view of the city, then you should visit Tops Lookout. The viewing deck is an open space with a circular stone architecture that has become a photo spot for bloggers and those who travel to Cebu.
The best time to visit Tops Lookout is during sunset until the wee hours. You can dine in even late at night at the place or just get some snacks and pair it with beer, so you do not have to leave the place to look for food.
Taoist Temple
The Taoist Temple was not intended to be a tourist spot. However, its design and location has caught the attention of the travelers. That is why it is now one of the popular overlooking places to visit in Cebu.
Anyone can visit the temple. Inside, you can find a chapel and a library that preserves the teachings of Lao-Tse. You can also make a wish in the wishing well and take home a memento from the souvenir shop.
Mountain View Nature Park
Not just one of the overlooking places in Cebu; Mountain View Nature Park is also one of the tourist spots that offer different activities. Challenge yourself in the park’s rope course. Freshen up and enjoy the view at the infinity pool. Sing your heart out in the karaoke area. If you don’t feel like doing either of those, you can just walk around the garden and the mini zoo. You can also head to the restaurant if you need to grab a bite.
The park also offers accommodations. They have available rooms for solo travelers and groups. If you prefer to stay in a tent, you can also camp there. Even though Mountain View Nature Park is a bit far from the metro, there’s actually a lot of things you can do and enjoy.
Scape Skydeck
Lapu-Lapu City is not only known for its locally handmade guitars; it is also known for good food. One of the top restaurants that offer good food in Cebu is Scape Skydeck.
This open-air space is a restaurant and a bar that offers a mix of Italian and Filipino cuisine. Indeed, the prices are pretty high, but with the professional service and the huge food portions and servings you are getting, every peso you spend is worth it. The menu also has options for vegetarians and vegans.
Since it is located at the roof deck, you will be dining with a view of the three major cities in Cebu: Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu City. On top of that, the Scape Skydeck will let you buy 2 selected cocktails for the price of 1 during their happy hours, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day!
When you travel to Cebu, you will never run out of options of overlooking places to visit. May it be historical or adventurous, Cebu has a lot to offer in its roster of tourist spots.
